While pets may be our best friends, they can have other “friends” we don’t necessarily want hanging around. Fleas are some of the worst friends your pet could have. They not only use warm-blooded animals as food but also cause allergic reactions with their saliva that can create itches that are scratched all the way into a scab. Fleas and ticks can quickly make life uncomfortable for pets and humans. So, how do we prevent these pests from inviting themselves into our homes?
1. Act Fast: Stop Fleas Before They Spread
If you are reading this article because you have a flea problem, then you need to move fast. Fleas take multiple forms – egg, larva, pupa, and adult form. If you don’t remove all forms of flea activity, then it will be a recurring problem. Contact our expert flea exterminators at Florida Pest Control to prevent fleas from taking over every part of your home. Prompt action minimizes the chances of infestation spreading, saving you time and effort in the long run.
2. Groom Your Lawn to Eliminate Flea Havens
Another common hangout spot for fleas is your lawn. Fleas can be found in the dirt and grass outside your home – usually in shaded areas frequented by your pet or perhaps wild animals. This creates a perfect initial contact point. Once fleas make the initial contact, they will be able to hitchhike on your pet and into your home. Once in your home, fleas have no problem feeding on you or your pet! Regularly mowing your grass, removing debris, and treating the yard with flea spray can help repel fleas from outdoor spaces.
3. Watch for Rodents: Hidden Flea Carriers
Rodents in your home are big enough problems already, but unfortunately, they don’t always come alone. Adult fleas spend most of their time on warm-blooded animals, and rodents definitely fall into that category. Therefore, the rodents that you find in your house may have special passengers they bring with them. Removing and preventing rodents from living in your home is an important preventive measure for fleas. Sealing entry points and keeping food sources secure can deter rodents and reduce the risk of flea infestations.
4. Care for Your Pets to Prevent Infestations
Since fleas prefer to feed on furry creatures, consistently providing your pet with flea control prescribed by your veterinarian will break the feeding cycle. Using a flea comb, flea collar, or vet-approved flea treatments can protect your pets from becoming a host to these pests.
5. Clean Your Home Thoroughly and Regularly
Cleaning and vacuuming your home is always a good strategy when concerned about fleas. Picking up fleas in the vacuum prevents them from spreading throughout your home. It’s also an easy way to pick up the various forms of fleas before they become adults. Also, it is important to target high-frequency areas for your pet, as these areas will have the highest concentration of the various flea life stages.
Don’t forget to empty vacuum bags or dispose of the contents immediately to prevent re-infestation. Washing pet bedding in hot water also helps kill fleas, flea eggs, and larvae.
If you have any concerns about a flea infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Florida Pest Control today for your no-obligation consultation.
6. Seal Entry Points to Keep Fleas Out
Fleas can enter your home through cracks and gaps or even be carried in by wild animals. Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Sealing these entryways may help to keep fleas away and reduce the chances of other pests entering your space.
7. Use Preventative Flea Treatments Year-Round
Fleas thrive in warm and humid climates, making year-round flea and tick prevention essential for pet owners. Administering regular flea treatments, such as spot-on solutions, oral medications, or flea collars, can safeguard your pets and home from infestations. Consult your veterinarian for the best preventative options for your dogs and cats.
Even with preventative treatments, fleas can be persistent and challenging to eliminate entirely. If your home is experiencing a severe flea infestation or DIY treatments aren’t effective, contact Florida Pest Control for professional help. Our experts have the tools and expertise to address flea problems and restore your peace of mind.
8. Monitor High-Risk Areas for Fleas
Certain areas are more prone to flea activity, especially those frequented by pets or wildlife. Regularly inspect high-risk spots, such as pet bedding, rugs, furniture, and shaded outdoor areas. Using cedar chips in outdoor spaces or applying pet-safe flea sprays can help repel fleas.
9. Consult Professionals for Persistent Issues
If your flea problem persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to contact our professional flea exterminators. Our highly trained experts can assess the extent of the infestation, target all flea life stages, and apply effective treatments to rid your home of fleas for good. Professional services can also offer advice on long-term flea prevention.
Contact a local flea control specialist in Florida
Whether you’re dealing with fleas in your home or want to learn more about effective flea prevention strategies, reach out to a trusted Florida Pest Control specialist today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep fleas away permanently?
To keep fleas away permanently, combine regular cleaning, lawn care, year-round flea and tick prevention for pets, and professional pest control treatments.
What stops fleas from biting you?
Using flea repellents, wearing long clothing, and applying flea spray to high-risk areas can help prevent flea bites. Treating pets and maintaining a clean home also reduces exposure to fleas.
What is the best way to prevent fleas?
The best way to prevent fleas is to treat your pets regularly, clean your home thoroughly, monitor outdoor areas, and consult Florida Pest Control professionals for persistent infestations.
What do fleas hate the most?
Fleas are repelled by strong scents such as cedar, eucalyptus, and citrus. Using cedar chips in your yard or adding pet-safe essential oils to cleaning routines can help keep fleas away.
What is a natural prevention of fleas?
Natural flea prevention methods include using a flea comb on pets, applying diatomaceous earth to carpets, and using cedar chips in outdoor spaces to repel fleas.
Can fleas live on human hair?
Fleas prefer animals with fur, such as dogs and cats, but in rare cases, they can bite humans and temporarily stay on hair or clothing. However, they cannot survive long on humans.
